Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said starting quarterback Dayne Crist, who missed most of the first half against Michigan last week, will start under center against the Spartans.

Crist took a hit to the head in the first quarter of last Saturday's game and left the game due to blurred vision. He re-entered the game in the second half, and Kelly said he hasn't experienced any setbacks -- aside from some swelling on his face on Sunday.

"It was never a concussion procedure that we went through. It was really more of a hit to the face, but he's fine," Kelly said during Tuesday's press conference. "The blurred vision went away after an hour or so and he has not had any headaches or anything that would cause our medical staff any concern."

In Crist's absence, Notre Dame's backups Tommy Rees and Nate Montana went a combined 8-of-19 for 104 yards and two interceptions during Saturday's 28-24 loss to Michigan. Crist returned in the second half and led the Irish to 17 points. Kelly said both Rees and Montana will be better prepared this time around.

"We're going to settle on a package that suits both (quarterbacks)," Kelly said. "We have to have something that really allows them to feel comfortable out there and still run our offense in a productive manner.

"I'm certain we'll be in a much better place this weekend if we have to go to them when they go in the game."

Listen to the entire press conference as Kelly discusses last weekend's loss to U-M and discusses his team's first road test against Michigan State.